Phi Kappa Theta - Iowa State University

PAGE 3 FKQ Appreciating Fraternal History Leo Landis '87 Thankful for Phi Kappa Theta Values G rowing up, Leo Landis '87 was fortunate to have Mike Biegger '87, Kerry Lawless '87, and Ed Maginn '87 as childhood friends. Mike's older brothers were members of Phi Kappa Theta, so the four friends first visited the chapter house as juniors in high school. When Leo arrived at Iowa State, the choice of fraternities could not have been easier. "Iowa Xi was full of intellectually stimulating people who also enjoyed the social aspects of college life," Leo recalls. The fraternity motto of "Give, expecting nothing thereof" fit well with his Catholic upbringing and education. "I know I've failed many times in life, but Iowa Xi was a place where I could be comfortable with a wide variety of life experiences and feel accepted. I was a history undergraduate among business, engineering, and science majors—but I never felt out of place." Reclaiming History That scholarly environment may have directly impacted Leo's professional life in the long run. He learned the importance of internships and networking from his brothers and was fortunate to intern at a central Iowa museum as an undergraduate. Leo continues to put his history degree to use as the curator of Iowa's state museum. The opportunity came for Leo to lend his expertise to Iowa Xi when the centennial history team formed last year (as announced in the previous newsletter). Greg Stolp '84, who was brainstorming the project, read one of Leo's essays and reached out to ask for his help with research and writing. The two contacted others, and soon the team was founded. Memories of Iowa Xi "It is important for alumni to avoid a sentimentalized nostalgia," Leo said of Iowa history. "Alumni can demonstrate the value of Phi Kappa Theta, teach undergraduates about the chapter's legacy and compelling history, and encourage them to uphold it. Hopefully, it helps undergraduates make Iowa Xi the best it can be." As an undergraduate himself, Leo was there for the thrilling ISU basketball team of the 1980s; he regularly attended games with his brothers and enjoyed pick-up basketball games at the house. He even helped take Iowa Xi to victory in the 1987 Greek Week College Bowl, alongside brothers such as Ed Maginn, John Erickson '87, and Russ Hornback '90. He remains close friends with many men from his class and advises undergraduates: "Be kind, work hard, and do good work." Leo lives in Des Moines with his wonderful wife and son, Nancy and Forrest. He enjoys being an active community member, researching history, and heading for a trout stream with a fly rod. Leo can be reached at leoelandis@gmail.com. Looking Ahead Iowa Xi Chapter Makes Adjustments due to COVID-19 Pandemic I owa Xi Chapter is proud to introduce 10 new associate members this semester. We can't wait to see what they can accomplish as Phi Kappa Theta brothers. Our membership now stands at 54 strong. Each member proudly represents us academically, athletically, and socially in their own facet. We are excited for the continuous growth of our chapter and hope to be bigger than ever following a strong summer recruitment. Chapter GPA yet again increased from the previous semesters, as our updated scholarship program continues to pay off. While nearing the IFC average, we will continue to make improvements to our approach on academics, as it is a top priority. While our members move to online schooling for the remainder of the semester, our scholarship team is working to make the change as swift and effective as possible. This spring, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, in-person chapter activities have come to a halt. While most members have moved out of Ames, four members of Iowa Xi are staying at the chapter house for the remainder of the semester as part of a care-taker team. We hope to keep the house safe and clean by following the plans related to the Phi Kappa Theta Iowa Xi Spring 2020 Health and Safety Plan. The members of Iowa Xi are hopeful to stay safe during these times and for the health and safety of everyone whose lives are affected by COVID-19. While we weren't able to host our spring philanthropy event for the Children's Miracle Network, the men of Iowa Xi have decided to donate the entirety of our philanthropy budget. Philanthropic efforts are one of many ways in which we express our motto: Give, expecting nothing thereof. (Continued on page 4) Members of Iowa Xi along with Chi Phi and Tri Delta before their Yell Like Hell performance.

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